Telematics access without your own connector: Telekom introduces TI-Connect

Deutsche Telekom has introduced a service that allows doctor's offices, pharmacies, and similar facilities to access the telematics infrastructure (TI) without their own connector. With the service named TI-Connect, customers connect via a VPN channel to the TI gateway in the Telekom data center. Healthcare providers no longer have to worry about keeping a local connector up to date themselves.

Telekom promises uncomplicated connection via permanently updated high-speed connectors with sufficient redundancy. In the practice rooms, a conventional router with a VPN tunnel is to be used, which establishes the secure channel to the TI gateway for card terminals as well as computers with practice management systems and KIM mailboxes. Alternatively, a connection via client software is also possible. A mobile office option should also ensure TI access when working from home or on the go.

Einbox connector as an outdated model

Plans to replace the rather unpopular Einbox connectors as the standard access to TI have been around for some time. For most facilities, the operating company Gematik has provided a TI gateway as an alternative, a kind of high-speed connector encased in security technology. Smaller facilities can obtain their interface to TI as gateway infrastructure from the cloud – as in Telekom's offering. Other providers such as Secunet and Telekonnekt have also received approvals for such TI gateways. However, for larger facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes, operating their own high-speed connector is also possible.

The phasing out of Einbox connectors is part of the measures under the slogan TI 2.0, with which Gematik aims to make TI more secure and performant. Implementation began this year. Among other things, a switch to a zero-trust architecture is also planned.

(axk)